Accuracy of NM teacher evals questioned

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Some New Mexico educators say released state teacher evaluations that are based on erroneous data have left them confused and frustrated.

The Albuquerque Journal reported Saturday that Albuquerque school officials and the state Public Education Department say the evaluations were based on data that had some factual errors.

Matt Montano, the department’s director of educator quality, says some of the mistakes came from information submitted by districts but they are working to correct evaluations.

Several elementary school principals say the evaluations showed a lack of consistency in scoring teachers. They say the state hasn’t given a clear explanation.

Many educators have criticized the evaluation system, saying it places too much emphasis on student performance on standardized tests. Other factors in evaluations include classroom observations of teachers.